I have no desire to do a backroom deal

Jackie Ashley (From deep in the mire come the first signs of a new dawn, December 3) says I am "far more likely to do a deal with the Tories". This is a bizarre claim, based on nothing other than evidence-free crystal-ball-gazing. One of my fundamental aims it to explode the myth of so-called "liberal conservatism" and make the Liberal Democrats the authentic voice of liberalism in the country once again.

I will not limit the Liberal Democrat party's ambition by talking endlessly of coalition deals, as if we are somehow campaigning to come third. Under my leadership, third place will not be good enough. I believe we can and will break the stifling grip of narrow, two-party politics in Westminster for good within two elections. My agenda is for an ever-stronger Liberal Democrat force in British politics; how can that be construed as a covert desire to do a backroom deal with either party?

The core message of my leadership campaign has been to win votes from the two other parties, not cosy up to them. I am pleased members recognise that, with the recent YouGov poll showing most believe I am best placed to take on both David Cameron and Gordon Brown. Ms Ashley predicts politics will return to the issues of "tax, fairness and migration". If so, the Liberal Democrats will be in a uniquely strong position. We stand alone with radical proposals for a redistributive, green tax system. We stand alone with an effective plan to cut illegal immigration, while the other parties simply threaten to pull up the drawbridge. The Liberal Democrats are an independent party, not an annexe of either Labour or the Conservatives.Nick Clegg MPLib Dem leadership candidate